Not in Kansas anymore: The Sanford Middle School cast embodies the magic of the classic tale. Photo: WSSR TV, YouTube
The Wizard of Oz Takes Flight: Theatre Troupe Delivers Magic
By Brian Boisvert
The Sanford Middle School Theatre Troupe delivered a vibrant, joyful production of The Wizard of Oz Youth Edition that showcased not only the talents of its young performers, but also their courage in stepping into the spotlight.
Saturday evening’s “Defying Gravity” cast performance at the Sanford Performing Arts Center proved the wisdom of director Adam Bellefeuille’s decision to mount a double-cast production. Presented with an unprecedented 60 volunteers—45 cast members and 15 stage crew—Bellefeuille made the creative choice to divide them into two separate casts, allowing the maximum number of students to shine. Leading Saturday’s ensemble as Dorothy, fifth-grader Jolie Edmonds brought warmth and sincerity to the iconic role, anchoring the audience through the story with genuine emotion. Whether longing for home or discovering her own agency, Edmonds carried the emotional weight of the narrative with impressive maturity.
The journey down the Yellow Brick Road came alive through the talents of her traveling companions. Mileena Stephens brought heart and humor to the Scarecrow, Emma Higgins gave the Tin Man genuine pathos, and Jonah Williams stole scenes as the Cowardly Lion with both comic timing and vulnerability. These roles demand a delicate balance between humor and humanity, and the young performers navigated that terrain skillfully, earning genuine laughs while maintaining emotional authenticity. Annie St. Jean’s Toto added charm throughout, while Aleira Thompson commanded the stage, cackling as the Wicked Witch of the West.
But the true magic lay in the ensemble work. The Munchkins danced and sang with infectious energy, while the citizens of the Emerald City filled the stage with color and movement. Costume designer Natasha Nolan and assistant director for costumes Sara Crabtree deserve credit for bringing these characters to vivid life. The attention to detail throughout the play was remarkable, from the costumes to the sets to the video display screens that often enhanced the mood and action.
The production’s technical elements were exceptionally polished. Lighting designer Jeffery Perry and audio designer Seth Goodale created an immersive world that transported audiences to Kansas, Munchkinland, and beyond. The cyclone sequence and the haunted forest scenes were particularly effective, using light and sound to heighten the drama. Set designer Kael Parker’s modular sets allowed for smooth scene transitions, keeping the show’s momentum strong throughout.
The entire production was subtly enhanced with selections from the iconic MGM film score. Principal choreographer Megan Edmonds and tap choreographer Sophia O’Connell deserve special mention for their work. The Munchkinland musical numbers were delightful, and the “Jitterbug” sequence—a scene deleted from the 1939 original film and the perfect lead-in to intermission—had the audience smiling broadly.
What struck most about Saturday’s performance was the evident joy on stage. As Bellefeuille noted in his pre-show remarks, many of these performers were making their theatrical debut, “pushing themselves out of their comfort zones.” Yet there was no hesitation, no timidity. These young people owned their roles and invited the audience along on the journey.
Throughout his nearly twenty years directing in Sanford, Bellefeuille’s admiration for his students remains constant, saying he is “always awed and inspired by the intelligence, the heart and the courage that our students put into their show.” After Saturday’s performance, it’s easy to understand why. The Wizard of Oz, in the hands of these young performers and their dedicated technical and creative teams, proved to be far more than a classic tale. It was a genuine celebration of what our students are capable of achieving.
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